Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Marital
Satisfaction
Inventory,
Revised
(MSI-R)
Manual
Manual
W-328B
1
INTRODUCTION
General Description
The MSI-R is a self-report measure that identifies,
separately for each partner in a relationship, the nature and
extent of distress along several key dimensions of their relationship via their responses of True or False to each of
the 150 MSI-R inventory items. The items are written at a
6th-grade reading level, and administration takes about 25
minutes. Each individuals results can be scored and interpreted separately, orpreferably and more informatively
the results from both members of the couple can be
displayed and interpreted both separately and in conjunction
with one another.
Administration and scoring can be conducted with
hand-scored paper-and-pencil materials or with either paper
or online administration for computer scoring and interpretation. See the section entitled Computer Services for the
MSI-R at the end of this Manual for more information
about the requirements and options for obtaining computer1
Scale Descriptions
The individuals responses are scored on the 13 scales
of the inventory, which include 2 validity scales
(Inconsistency and Conventionalization), 1 global affective
scale (Global Distress), and 10 additional scales measuring
specific dimensions of relationship distress (see Table 1).
Table 1
Scales on the Marital Satisfaction Inventory, Revised
MSI-R Scale
Inconsistency
Conventionalization
Global Distress
Affective Communication
Problem-Solving Communication
Aggression
Time Together
Disagreement About Finances
Sexual Dissatisfaction
Role Orientation
Family History of Distress
Dissatisfaction With Children
Conflict Over Child Rearing
a
Scale
Abbreviation
Number
of Items
INC
CNV
GDS
AFC
PSC
AGG
TTO
FIN
SEX
ROR
FAM
DSC
CCR
20a
10
22
13
19
10
10
11
13
12
9
11
10
Chapter 1
Introduction
The Affective Communication scale evaluates individuals dissatisfaction with the amount of affection and
understanding expressed by their partner. It is the best single
measure of emotional intimacy experienced in the relationship. Item content aligns along two dimensions: lack of
affection or support, and lack of understanding or mutual
disclosure of feelings.
The Problem-Solving Communication scale assesses
the couples general ineffectiveness in resolving differences.
It measures overt discord rather than underlying feelings of
estrangement. Item content reflects three domains: recurrent
failure to resolve minor differences; lack of specific problemsolving skills; and overreactivity of the respondents partner,
leading to inability to discuss sensitive issues.
The Aggression scale is a new scale measuring the
level of intimidation and physical aggression experienced by
the respondent from his or her partner. Items reflecting intimidation include the partners yelling when angry, slamming things, or throwing objects at the respondent. Items
assessing physical aggression range from pushing or shoving to being physically injured by the partner.
The Time Together scale evaluates the couples companionship as expressed in time shared in leisure activity.
Item content falls along two dimensions: lack of shared
leisure activity, and lack of common interests.
The Disagreement About Finances scale measures relationship discord regarding the management of finances. Items
fall along three factors: concerns regarding relationship
finances, lack of confidence in the partners management of
money, and arguments with the partner over finances.
The Sexual Dissatisfaction scale assesses dissatisfaction with the frequency and quality of intercourse and other
sexual activity. Item content reflects three domains: general
dissatisfaction with the sexual relationship, inadequate
affection during sexual exchanges, and discontent regarding
the partners apparent lack of interest or enthusiasm for
sexual relations.
The Role Orientation scale evaluates the respondents
advocacy for a traditional versus nontraditional orientation
toward marital and parental gender roles. Items assess the
division of household and child care responsibilities, equality of partners status and influence, and the relative importance of partners careers outside the home. In addition to
evaluating partners views of marital and parental roles,
potential for gender-role conflicts may be assessed by partners differences on this scale.
The Family History of Distress scale reflects the disruption of relationships within the respondents family of
origin. Item content falls along three dimensions: an unhappy childhood, disrupted relationships among family members, and disruption in the parents marriage specifically.
The Dissatisfaction With Children scale assesses the
relationship quality between respondents and their children,
as well as parental concern regarding the emotional and
behavioral well-being of one or more of the children. Items
reflect four factors: concerns regarding childrens adjustment, disappointments in child rearing, lack of positive
Summary of Research
Over the past 15 years, a considerable body of
research has been conducted in support of the reliability and
validity of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory. Revision of
the instrument involved detailed analyses of data from clinical as well as community samples in order to ensure retention of scale items contributing to the MSIs usefulness in
both clinical and research applications. Several alternative
revisions of each scale were considered, and psychometric
characteristics were compared. Items also underwent minor
further refinements of specific wording, including a change
in language from spouse and marriage to partner and
relationship, to extend the MSI-Rs usefulness with nontraditional couples.
The final revised instrument comprising 150 items
was standardized on a sample of 2,040 persons (1,020 intact
couples). This sample was geographically diverse and had a
balance that was consistent with the population of the U.S.
census regions. The sample was also representative of the
U.S. population for such demographic characteristics as
ethnicity, educational level (SES), and occupation. Finally,
the broad age range of the sample ensured representation
of persons in their late teens through those in their 70s and
beyond.
The MSI-R scales possess high levels of both internal
consistency and temporal stability. Evidence for the validity
of the MSI scales derives from previous studies of group discriminant validity, correlational studies of the scales convergent validity, and actuarial studies identifying the
interpretive meaning of scores on each scale across distinct
scale ranges. Reanalyses of earlier studies using new scoring
criteria for the revised instrument extend major validity findings to the MSI-R.